A compact wide angle lens system for use in a camera having a range finder is provided. The lens system is of five-group, seven-element type comprising, consecutively from the object to the image side, a first lens group consisting of a negative meniscus single lens convex to the object side, a second lens group consisting of a positive doublet having a cementing surface concave to the object side, a third lens group consisting of a negative meniscus single lens concave to the object side, a fourth lens group consisting of a positive doublet, and a fifth lens group consisting of a negative meniscus single lens concave to the object side.